OUT OF POCKET COST FOR DIEP.
I had reconstruction with implants in 2012. I have just found out my left implant has ruptured. I am in a private health fund and was looking at DIEP instead of implants again, but was told the cost is $20,000. I don;t know what I will get back from my health fund and Medicare. Anyone had it done private and can give me an idea on outer pocket expense. Can not wait to go on Public waiting list. Debbie
What are you supposed to do if you have been given the textured implants (linked to lymphoma)?
I have the Mentor Memorygel textured implants which are on the "voluntary recall" list in the US but I don't know what the advice is here in Australia. I had my reconstruction (after double mastectomy) in the public system in Sydney but I have not been contacted by the plastics team about the lymphoma risk. Does anyone else have textured implants and if so what are you doing, are you leaving them in or having them changed for the smooth ones or having no more implants? I have no idea what to do. I don't really like the idea of waiting to see what happens. Thanks!
Removal of synthetic medical mesh ?
I'm going to post this in general discussion and in the reconstruction group. I'm starting research to inform my pondering about whether to scrap my reconstruction process. I had a left mastectomy (12 cm tumour) and have a saline expander with synthetic mesh panel underneath. The mesh panel is becoming increasingly uncomfortable, sometimes painful. I wonder whether it has anything to do with radiation, which I finished about 10 wks ago. I never felt good about having a "foreign" implant, but wanted to make the effort to have a shape. At age 75, I'm not up for own-tissue reconstruction. I've read a couple of British literature searches about complications with mesh. I'm considering going flat. But I don't know how successfully the mesh can be removed. Anyone know anything about this?
(Article) A Few Words About Fake Breasts
Interesting read for all and especially relevant to those with or considering implants. https://granta.com/a-few-words-about-fake-breasts/?src=longreads&utm_source=Longreads+Newsletters&utm_campaign=e00959e579-Longreads_Top_5_August_24_2018&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2ad42066-e00959e579-241364725&mc_cid=e00959e579&mc_eid=f4c4893e99
Radiation with Implant
Hi. Just wondering is anyone has had radiation therapy with an implant in and what the experience was. I have heard that radiation can ruin the implant. I was diagnosed with BC in November - 3 largish tumours - The recommendation was to have chemotherapy first to try and shrink the tumours and then surgery. Chemo finished 4 weeks ago (no real affect on the tumours unfortunately) - Surgery with direct implant was 9 days ago Pathology result showed clear margins around all tumours but there is cancer in the sentinel nodes so back for more surgery next week for auxiliary node removal. Doctor said today that because there were multiple tumours I would definitely need radiation to the chest wall - My question is why did they say it was ok to go direct to implant when it appears now that radiation therapy is unavoidable and known before the surgery even happened. I am very worried
Breast Implants following major double mastectomy and lymph nodes removal
I am having surgery in May for breast implants and am anxious of what to expect. Though I have been told by my surgeon it will be 2 operations and very painful I am still going through with it. My double mastectomy was in October 2014 followed by a second operation in November 2014 to remove cancerous lymph nodes on my left side not originally found. Went through chemo, allergies to the drugs, etc etc. If there is anyone who might have some insight or advice on this operation I would appreciate it. Judy
